Who this service is for
This is local computer repair for the real Ilkeston — the town I actually drive through every week. It is for:
- Older residents who did not grow up with computers and want someone patient who will not bamboozle them with jargon
- Small shopkeepers and business owners on Bath Street, South Street, and around the town centre whose till PC or office laptop has packed up at the worst possible moment
- Home-workers and families from Kirk Hallam right across to Cotmanhay who rely on their laptop every day and cannot afford days of downtime
Specifically, you need help if your PC or laptop is:
- Running painfully slow or taking forever to start
- Not turning on at all, or crashing randomly
- Showing virus or malware warnings you do not trust
- Making strange noises, overheating, or the fan never stops
- Having screen, keyboard, or battery issues
You do not need to know what is wrong — that is my job. Bring it to me just outside Ilkeston, or I can often come to you if you are nearby.
Common problems I can fix
- Slow computer diagnosis and speed-up
- Virus and malware removal
- Windows not starting or blue screen errors
- Hardware diagnostics and repairs
- Laptop screen, keyboard, and battery replacement
- Data recovery from failing drives
- Upgrades: more RAM, SSD replacement
- Clean operating system reinstall
Areas I cover
I am based just outside Ilkeston and cover the whole Erewash Valley corridor, from Awsworth in the east right through to Stanton-by-Dale in the west. That includes:
- Ilkeston (town centre, Bath Street, Shipley View)
- Cossall
- Awsworth
- Cotmanhay
- Kirk Hallam
- Stanton-by-Dale
If you are a little further out — Heanor, Eastwood, Sandiacre, Trowell — I can often still help. Just ask.
Simple, upfront pricing
I charge £40 per hour for computer repair and diagnostics. Most common fixes (virus removal, speed-up, reinstall) take 1–2 hours. I will always give you a rough estimate before starting, and you will never get a surprise bill.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis and honest assessment | Free with repair |
| Virus / malware removal | £40–£80 |
| Slow computer speed-up | £40–£80 |
| Windows reinstall (clean) | £60–£100 |
| Hardware repair (labour only) | £40–£120 |
| Data recovery | From £40 |
Why work with me
I am one person — you speak to me directly, I do the work, and I explain things in plain English. There is no call centre, no ticket system, and no trying to sell you things you do not need.
- Local knowledge: I know the area — the Victorian terraces with thick walls that murder WiFi signals, the new-build estates off Little Hallam Hill, the small retail units on Bath Street. That matters when you are troubleshooting.
- Honest: If it is not worth fixing, I will tell you — no upselling, no scare tactics
- Patient, no jargon: I explain what is wrong in plain English. If you are not tech-savvy, that is absolutely fine — I will make sure you understand enough to feel comfortable
- Fair pricing: £40/hour, agreed before work starts
- Free first chat: Tell me what is happening and I will let you know honestly whether I can help
Frequently asked questions
My WiFi keeps dropping out — could it be my thick Victorian walls?
Very likely. Ilkeston has a lot of solid brick Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, and those walls are brilliant at blocking WiFi signals. I can sort out a proper mesh system or strategic router placement that works with your house rather than against it. Same goes for the larger 1930s semis around Kirk Hallam — different layout, same problem.
I am not very technical — can you help my elderly parents set up their laptop?
Absolutely. A big part of what I do is helping people who did not grow up with computers feel comfortable using them. I will set things up so they are simple, walk through everything at their pace, and leave written notes they can refer back to. No jargon, no rushing, no making anyone feel silly for asking questions.
What if you cannot fix it?
I will tell you honestly. If the problem needs specialist equipment or parts that are not cost-effective, I will say so and suggest the best next step. You only pay for work I have completed.
Do you fix Macs?
My main experience is with Windows PCs and laptops. For Mac hardware issues, I can often help with diagnosis and software problems, but serious hardware repairs may need an Apple specialist.
Ready to get your computer sorted?
Tell me what is going on and I will let you know honestly whether I can help. Free first chat, no commitment.